Her Quiet Sit On A Park Bench, Has Become A Place of 'Therapy' For Passers-By
The past two days, when I sit on a bench after my park walk, an acquaintance comes over to sit by me and needs to 'vent' about something that is apparently troubling him. He goes on and on, and sometimes repeats himself. I listen patiently and let him vent. He thanks me for letting him vent and apologizes. I tell him no apologies necessary, that we all need to be listened to.
I am learning as I listen, as some of what is irking him helps me understand some similar things that sometimes irk me as well.
I also like thinking that by sitting there on that bench in the sunshine on a glorious park day, I am getting an extra kindness act in by listening and occasionally sharing some thoughts with him that might help him.
“There are times that all you need is someone who will listen to you without judging you — not telling you what you should have done or should do, but simply, listening to you” ― Bernard Kelvin Clive
- Posted by Mish
- Apr 22, 2017
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Her Hopeful Plea To Move Away From Darkness To Light
I offered a post by PBS "NEWTOWN", award winning documentary to enlighten viewers of the tragedy of school shootings. I did this to reinforce kindness in schools, safe schools in my country. After that post, concerned that I was bringing attention to negative energy, I posted a lovely HOPEFUL plea that even from darkness, from my own internal concerns of dark ways, we can bring beauty. It is a full moon tonight, the same moon that shines its light on us all.
The quote I used was written in Arabic, a language my countrymen fear. It was deliberate, an attempt to show the ONENESS OF KIND & GOOD INTENTIONS in all of us, regardless of where we are in the world. From Mahmoud Darwish, please see below ~ Peace
- Posted by laughlight
- Apr 22, 2017
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She Decided To Stop Over To Her Neighbor's House For A Visit, And Later Learned Just How Needed The Visit Was
Yesterday I went to the shops. I was a wee bit tired but super happy to be out and about. I had some Kindness Adventures! So awesome. I bought a bunch of flowers for my neighbour Amanda. We have just become friends. About a fortnight ago I popped in and she told me how much she loves flowers and I had forgotten that until I was walking to her door. I'm so glad I bought her the flowers for a number of reasons. I didn't know it but she had had a small stroke while she was driving. She is recovered now thank goodness! We held hands talking. I'd made her day as she hasn't been given flowers in years. I'm also going to look through my DVDs to loan her something cheerful and happy. I think she has been quite shaken up after what happened. I also offered while her car ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by mandymoo900
- Apr 21, 2017
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Easter Means Daffodils
I love this time of the year. Easter means daffodils. I bought three bunches today to leave on unsuspecting cars in grocery store parking lots (with Smile Cards), but I only left two on windshields.
I brought the last bunch home for my wife, who was delighted.
#AprilRAOK #BeKindToOneAnother
- Posted by lewski711
- Apr 21, 2017
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Seeing Other's Kindness Ripple Out
Found this card on a table in the lobby yesterday at the health club. LOVE IT!
I do a lot of Random Acts Of Kindness there and to see them start to ripple out and make more, well it just made my day!
Never doubt, my kind friends. We are making a difference â¤ï¸
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Apr 21, 2017
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Delivering Surplus Food From Businesses to Those in Need
Raj Karmani: Delivering surplus food from businesses to those in need. From: Kazan Today Raj, a Pakistani, came to the U.S. to study computer science. While in graduate school at the University of Illinois, he noticed the owner of a nearby bagel shop calling charities to see if they wanted to pick up his surplus food. Raj knew that was a wonderful thing to do, but also knew there had to be a better way: Knowing that over 30% of all food produced in the U.S. is discarded, Raj started Zero Percent in 2013. Its purpose is to collect surplus food from restaurants, markets, other sources, and food destined for landfills, and instead deliver it to charities in need. Using his computer skills, he developed applications matching businesses and charities, and provided efficient pickup and delivery services, seven days a week. Zero Percent now has 525 food donors, that have provided 160,000 meals to 384 nonprofits, all in ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Rajni
- Apr 20, 2017
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Two Marathon Runners Helped Their Fellow Marathon Runner Finnish The Race
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Three runners were caught on camera coming to the aid of a fatigued racer whose legs appeared to buckle within sight of the finish line of a half-marathon in Philadelphia on Sunday.
Video shows the female runner struggling to hold herself up as she nears the end of the Philadelphia Love Run Half-Marathon.
It was heartwarming to see the kindness there two runners showed their fellow marathon runner!
- Posted by Alisamom
- Apr 20, 2017
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These Neighbors Took Such Great Care of This Elderly Man's 'Little Love' While He Was Away
It feels great when you make someone smile. Especially a senior citizen. My neighbors are a senior citizen couple, they are always full of positive vibes. They have a little basil plant at their lobby area, the husband, (dadaji) waters it regularly, prays and takes care of it like a small baby. The weather is very hot now, so he spends so much time with it. Then dadaji and his wife had to travel and leave for about 3 to 4 weeks and was so very worried about the basil plant. We over heard him discussing this with grandmother (dadi). When he left, we decided to take care of the basil plant just like he would if he were still home himself. This morning when they returned we were all eagerly waiting for them, especially dadaji, to see his reaction! Oh how he smiled at the gate and told his wife "See, our lil one is still ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by niyati206
- Apr 19, 2017
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Thank You For Reminding Me Of What Lving From The Heart Means.
Because of reading the stories here and something that happened just recently in regards to money I am going to do the following. It is a case of who owes what to whom.
I decided rather that saying no I don't owe you any money I am going to double what was asked for. Thank you for being here so I can be reminded that sometimes being right isn't always the best way and in the end there is no right and wrong only the way of the heart.
- Posted by kathleen4bees
- Apr 19, 2017
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Love Does Indeed Live On
Friend mentioned during lunch how it would have been her and her late husband's 48th wedding anniversary in a few days; how she had just used the last of the perfume he had given her as gift many years ago.
And wouldn't you know what I found right after our lunch date? A bottle of that same scent at the quick stop at a nearby store. The ONLY bottle and at a reduced price.
The Universe so LOVES expediency, so I dropped it by on on my way home.She opened the bottle immediately, sniffed and smiled.
"It's from Gordon." I said.
And we both sighed at the beautiful knowing that LOVE does indeed live on.
- Posted by mindyjourney
- Apr 18, 2017
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Her Friend Had A Day Without The Kids, So She Decided To Make It Extra Special
I had a busy day. My best friend had a day to herself without her 3 young kids. She had mentioned that she was feeling overwhelmed by mess and belongings and was going to spend the day tidying up. I dressed for 'work' and arrived with a big smile.
She gave me the biggest hug. I sorted out the linen cupboard, cleaned the kitchen, folded a mountain of laundry, ironed her husband's work shirts and then vacuumed.
As I left, my friend gave me a gift card for $100 to thank me!! It was to my local specialty food store where I no longer shop because of the cost. I think the Universe is looking after me. That's my second food gift in a week!
I also brought gluten free banana muffins over for morning tea :-)
- Posted by KiwiCat
- Apr 18, 2017
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They Made His Birthday One To Remember
I don't know whether or not this act comes under kindness, but it sure does under 'love for friend'. A friend of mine is away from his home town, away from family and friends, working in a different city. So, I had this 'gift' plan in my mind, that I would get as many friends from his school to write something nice for him (what they remember about their time together, why they love him, how he inspires them etc.) and then compile it in a video and send him on his birthday. It took almost a month to get the task done as his friends were also tight on their schedule. But we did it. And it was completely worth it. He however didn't get a chance to see it in the day time for he had his busy work day. He saw it at night. I so badly wanted to see his ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by pkindian03
- Apr 17, 2017
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She Was Given A Second Opportunity At Kindness, Nothing Stopped Her This Time Around
It's not uncommon to see someone who is homeless or down on their luck asking people who are walking by for spare change. I have seen the same woman in need several times. I recently approached her and introduced myself to her and asked her if I could get her anything to eat or from the Dollar Store. She said she was okay, but was trying to save up for dinner. I don't feel comfortable giving money to strangers. I guess it's a societal stereotype that when you give money to someone in need, they will use it for drugs or alcohol or something else that we may not approve of. I didn't give anything to Laura (I asked her name and told her my name.) that time. I felt bad after that encounter with her because I didn't help her that time. Yesterday, I saw her again. I decided to go ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by greenurlifenow
- Apr 17, 2017
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The Madrone Seedlings!
I have a strong affinity for madrone trees. Though they grow along most of the west coast, their abundance at sea level and especially on islands in the Pacific Northwest is such that I feel they reflect the soul of this place. Their nonconforming and sensual nature has a way of attracting artists to their midst. In my immediate area, they grow in a few coastal places on the mainland and especially on the nearby islands. My dream is to live among them, but the real estate prices on the mainland where they grow is astronomical and living on an island cuts you off from your family. So instead I have been studying their very specific growing conditions and learning how to propagate them myself to plant them where I live. Last year I purchased 150 seedlings from a native plant sale at the community college in Bellingham. About 25 of these trees ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Madronaman
- Apr 16, 2017
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He Decided To Pay Forward His Neighbor's Kindness
My washing machine went on the blink over a week ago and flooded my garage. We had the guy come take a look at it and he ordered a part, but we'd have to wait about a week and a half for it to come in.
So, we've had to rely on two of our neighbors to let us use their machines in the meantime. I thanks them with a special card, but then realized that when I do an act of kindness for someone, I always want them to pay it forward.
Two days ago a family moved into our neighborhood. Inspired by my washing machine neighbors, I baked a batch of brownies, delivered them this morning and introduced myself, welcoming them to the neighborhood.
They were so thrilled and surprised.
#AprilRAOK #BeKindToOneAnother
- Posted by lewski711
- Apr 16, 2017
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She Took Her Elderly Lady Friend Out To a Place She Hadn't Been To In Years
Yesterday was such a good day. One of the ladies I visit in Residential care, who has no family to speak of, came to the Pub with me. I have been trying to get this going for some time. We went to the local pub on the lake and after I had got permission that it was ok, ordered her a beautiful glass of red wine. She had a big plate of hot chips and so enjoyed it.
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She hasn't had a drink in years. This used to be what she so loved to do. We made it really casual and are going to do this one day every week. When I took her back to the Residential care she said " thank you, this has been absolutely the best time I have had in years. So enjoyed the quiet, looking at the ducks, hot chips and that good glass of red". This was something so simple but really good for her to do. Can't wait to repeat it.
- Posted by splain
- Apr 15, 2017
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Always Have a Plan B!
I'm on Godmother duties this weekend. Each of the Godparents took their Godchild for the weekend (there are three children aged 3-9). We got the six-year-old. What a delight, but full of energy as well! We met up last night with the friends who were looking after the 3-year-old for dinner at their house. He was missing his parents (who are overseas for the weekend). When he saw his sister he cried and cried. I had 'Plan B' in the back of my head. When I saw that the child was unhappy and my friends who were looking after him were also stressed, I offered to take him home with me. I decided another house for the night wasn't the best idea, so we quickly came back to my house, packed up the 6-year-old's things and my own overnight bad, and we went back to the children's own home. I had a ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by kiwicat
- Apr 15, 2017
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Spreading An Infection?
I've made it a habit to smile at people as often as possible and - given the right situation as I am living in a big city with many, many people - to say a kind word, hello, thank you, have a nice day. Whatever fits. I'm doing this for quite a while now, so I've seen all kinds of reactions-from people feeling threatened by a friendly word, reacting angry or even aggressive, to people whose faces lit up with a huge smile and gave me the impression that I've made this moment good (again) for them. Today something happened what I hadn't yet experienced: Two people - complete strangers to me and independently of each other, one in the morning, one in the afternoon - whom I passed on the street - without smiling at them, but with a friendly face nevertheless - looked up from their inner focus, looked at me, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by balou
- Apr 14, 2017
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The Cab Driver Who Went Out of His Way on a Rainy Day
I woke up the other day in a rather interesting manner to a phone call from a taxi driver who had my friends cell phone. My friend had apparently left it in the cab the night before. The driver had called others, but I was the first one who picked up to answer. It was a rainy morning, which for cab drivers in this big city is a very busy time. The cab driver asked me where he could drop the cell phone off. I told him the cross streets to where l lived and quickly jumped out of bed, got dressed and told the cab driver I'd meet him on the corner of those streets. The driver drove all the way from Queens to deliver this phone to where I lived. I gathered if he had taken on a passenger of two, he could have made some good money ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by humblebumble
- Apr 14, 2017
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A Challenge To Myself For Our Planet
I am in a 'reduce plastics' challenge and todays challenge is around plastic water bottles. I am extremely lucky to live where water is mostly portable and often free of odd tastes or smells.
From my point of view, it is indefensible that we bring water in plastic bottles 
to our homes, workplaces, and other areas with clean drinkable water readily available.
The energy waste of manufacture and transportation, the plastic in landfills, and the potential harm from gasses released by bottles makes this practice absurd. With this realization, I'm trying to make shifts in my personal practice to not contribute in this way any longer. Hoping to make our planet greener in the process!
- Posted by janfour
- Apr 13, 2017
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